Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Steven Anthony Pelz, age 38, of Wichita, Kansas, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on June 4, 2012, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual). The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, and/or a $10 million fine.

Pelz became part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. During his involvement, he obtained at least 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) and distributed it to a co-conspirator in Witchita, Kansas, who then brought the methamphetamine to South Dakota for further distribution.

The investigation was conducted by the Sedgwick County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office; the Yankton Police Department, the SD Division of Criminal Investigation, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant US Attorney Amy M. Koopmann.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for August 20, 2012. The defendant was released pending sentencing.